Posts Tagged Development
[Feature] Nomus: A unique model of social philanthopy
Text by Shujaat Ali, Photos by Murtaza Baig
Nomus is the philanthropic system of community development practiced in Shimshal valley. This tradition is present in different communities of the world under different names. In Nomus members of the community in possession of sufficient wealth “sponsor” a bridge, trail or building, for the community’s benefit, by providing resources for the project and food for those who provide free labour.
Nomus is carried out to honor a relative’s memory and to generate blessings of God Almighty. In other words, Nomus is a system of donating resources for a community development project in the name of a relative(s). It doesn’t 
matter whether the person is alive or deceased. The system of Nomus is a powerful way to remember and acknowledge family members. It provides pride for the family and happiness for the community. It also solves a specific problem for the community, becoming a source of mental and spiritual satisfaction to the one who donates by the name of God.
The project sponsored is often remembered after name of the sponsor, thus also making him/her live longer in collective memory of the society. This donation can be done anytime in the name of a relative depending upon readiness of the family. It is also not compulsory for every one to donate. The entire community remembers it for long.
Another interesting and notable aspect of this generous contribution is the volunteer work (free labour) by community members. The entire community or at least one member from each family takes part in this noble cause. Every family tries its level best to offer its volunteer services. So far, many bridges, trails, passenger huts (Musafir Khane), irrigation channels and other 
infrastructure related development activities were done in Shimshal through this system.
Nomus can also be part of a person’s will. If a person allocates portion of family wealth for Nomus, the offspring honor will of their ancestor and ensure that the will is implemented.
The “self-help” principles of Nomus are still very much alive in Shimshal; there appears to be a continuing willingness to contribute to community development. The history of Shimshal is just about four hundred years old but it is full of sacrifices, revolutions and great achievements. Looking in different aspects of development and change in Shimshal, it is obvious that Nomus played a revolutionary role in the development of our community. There was no concept of financial aid from the government or private sector. It was Nomus that helped the community to develop its infrastructure. 
Undoubtedly, it was the main source of inspiration for community mobilization. In recent years the community-based organization the Shimshal Nature Trust (SNT) has attempted to nurture this tradition of self-reliance for current development needs.
Last, but not the least, is sustainability of this system and putting it in line with modern practices. It is obvious that government can’t do everything for development. It is the local community that can rely on its local resources and optimally utilize them for purposeful means. In past, the social contributions were made for those projects that were the requirements of the community as said above. It is essential that this system must last for long and voluntarily contributions must be made in health, education, social welfare, environment, culture and other developmental projects as well.
The writer works for UNESCO, Pakistan.
9 comments November 15, 2009
Rupani Foundation for development of Gems sector in Gilgit – Baltistan
By Asghar Khan
Gilgit, October 21: An introductory session on Gems sector was organized by Rupani Foundation at Gemstone Enterprise Development Center, Zulfiqarabad, Gilgit. Senior representatives of Northern Areas Gems and Minerals Association (NAGMA), Local Tour Operators, AKRSP and Serena Hotel participated in this session.
Mr. Masaid Ullah Baig, Project Manager and Mr. Sultan Ahmed, CEO Rupani Foundation, briefed the participants about the objective of this session, as well as the vision or Rupani Foundation 
for Gems Sector Development (Mine to Market Program). The guests later visited the lapidary for Gemstone Cutting and Polishing Training to witness the operations, first hand.
After detailed visit of the facility, the participants of this session assembled for a brainstorming session on how to collaborate for overall development of gems sector in the region. All stakeholders showed their great appreciation and admiration for the progress made thus far and also committed to work in a more collaborative manner for the development of gems sector which will ultimately bring positive impact in poverty reduction and economic development.
Established in 2006, Rupani Foundation aims to reduce poverty, enhance technical skills of women and unemployed youth, as well as promote social entrepreneurship and joint ventures. The Foundation has expanded its scope internationally and currently operates in Pakistan, 
Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the United States. Rupani Foundation’s vision is to become a global leader in the sustainable development of mountain communities which today continue to remain neglected throughout the world.
The Foundation, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO), has established Gemstone Cutting and Polishing Training Centers across Gilgit – Baltistan as well as Chitral district and has trained 400 people in need of support, of which 55 percent were women. Many of these graduates have emerged as Master Trainers and Supervisors, and have now assumed a multitude of responsibilities in the production units. Plans are underway to convert the existing centers into half training and half production.
3 comments October 22, 2009
International Pamir Festival 2009 being held in Wakhan
by Ali Aman Gojali (Event organizer)
Wakhan, September 21: A two days long International Pamir Festival 2009, will be celebrated on 27th and 28th September, at the roof of the world, Sarhad-e- Buroghil, Wakhan in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. Artists from Tajikistan, Pakistan and China have been invited to attend the festival, along with the local artists, to perform in the festival.
Traditional Music, dances, songs, cultural dresses and traditional games will be held during the festival, providing a rare opportunity for Wakhi speaking artists from the four countries. This is for the very first time that artists from all four countries containing Wakhi speaking population will participate in a single event. It would prove to be an opportunity of reflection, as well as an impetus for developing strategic bonds in the field of art and culture.
The festival will see song performances in categories like Wathan Bayed, Flak, Dough Bayed and Raboyee Bayed, performances of musical instruments like Rabab, Sitar, Tambura, Ghaz`hek and Duff and dances in the Pamir, Sham Sheer Bozee, Diwan Raqce and Anthrak styles.
Traditional games like Buzkashee, Polo, Pohiga /hour races, Qasting /Polwani , Ciklek /Tuksuree and Suthoy too, will also be played during the festival.
Both festival nights will be “Sufi Nights”, with performances in Qaceda, Munajuth and Souse Bayed.
This year’s Pamir Festival is being organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture, Afghanistan in collaboration with Wakhan Tourism and Cultural Promotion, AKF – Afghanistan.
13 comments September 22, 2009
[Feature]The women who would restore a symbol of Hunza’s history
by Noor & Asghar Khan
As the nine hundred years old Altit Fort gets completely restored in the year 2010, not only would facade of the ancient fort have changed in the middle of Hunza valley, a deeper social change would also have taken roots in terms of perceptions regarding gender roles in the society.
Traditionally labour of the the female folk of Hunza was limited to bringing up children, grazing 
animal, watering crop fields, collecting wood for fuel, grass for the cattle, or doing other indoor choirs, as allowed by the society. However, with the passage of time the women of Hunza adopted other roles entering other mainstream professions, like teaching, medicine, politics, social development and, recently, the armed forces. This was made possible by the education system introduced by His Highness the Aga Khan, through AKDN.
Now, the women of Hunza have taken yet another step towards social emancipation.
Seventy percent of the total people working on restoration of the fort are trained female skilled workers. Female electricians, carpenters, masons and plumbers restoring the Altit fort are making history by venturing into new areas of opportunity and expression, hitherto considered forbidden for the “fair” sex.
This is a welcome change as far as economic, psychological and social independence of the women of Hunza is concerned.
The restoration project is undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The trust has trained and employed a large number of women of Hunza, creating new opportunities of earning livelihood for half of the population, while also breaking taboos that limited choices for the women to a selected number of gender roles, as determined by a patriarchical society.
It is, now, also important to further work for objective sensitization of the society at large regarding the changed gender roles and their implications. One major negative implication can be lesser work available for the men who used to perform such tasks in the past. This might frustrate a segment of the society, no matter how small.
What is required is a holistic, inclusive, strategic plan
for balanced social development where the emancipation of one segment of the society does not shrink choices for the other, neutralizing the impact of change. This is vital for maintaining social harmony and family life, in a changed and charged social environment.
Men of Hunza have, logically, been supportive of the processes that have led to creation of the society that we have today. What they need to further understand is that when the social roles are changed, rules of the game of social life also change, by default. They will have to learn to live and compete in a beautifully different and a meritocratic society.
8 comments September 21, 2009
Animation movie “SHREK” dubbed in Wakhi language, renamed “Babirzung”
by Noor
Karachi, September 20: Persistent hardwork of ten months, by a group of self motivated youngsters from Gojal valley, bears fruit as the first ever Wakhi dubbed animation movie, BABIRZUNG, is presented to the viewers, for pure family entertainment.
BABIRZUNG is being released on the day of Eid – ul – Fitr, in Islamabad. It has been termed as a wonderful Eidie for the Wakhi speaking community of Central and South Asia. While at one hand it manifests the digital boldness and creativity of the youth, on the other hand it heralds a new era of innovation, experimentation and progress for Wakhi language, art and literature.
The characters having prominent roles in the movie inlcude Muhammad Zia, Sher Khan, Sultan Uddin,Shahid Ullah Baig,Aman Karim, Piyar Karim and Tahir Zaman, among several others.
It is pertinent to note here that the same movie has earlier been dubbed in Burushaski language also. While terming the dubbing a giant first step, it is also important to understand that in the future there are ample opportunities for inexpensive, yet complete, innovation on these lines.
The movie shall be a wake up call for leaders of organizations that cliam to be working for progress of our language and art, while wasting millions in temporary pomps and shows. It is a sad state of affairs that while the young people are selflessly working on concrete grounds, in revolutionary directions, the figure head elders are not ready to give up their hegemonic control over the relevant organizations.
If these young people can attain so much on their own, with proper support mechanisms they will revolutionize the idea of indigenous digital cultural production in the times to come.
The movie can be obtained in Rawalpindi/Islamabad by calling Muhammad Zia (0331-5563721/0344-5053818). It is also available at Hud Hud Stationers, Ghulkin – Gojal (0344-5242292/03445377205).
13 comments September 20, 2009
The old wine and bottle in a new wrapper – Enter the Governor
The Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit – Baltistan, also the Federal Information Minister, is sworn in as the Governor of Gilgit – Baltistan.
Oath taking photographs by Asghar Khan
11 comments September 15, 2009
All Hunza Action Committee briefs media on agitation plan
by Farman Karim Baig
Gilgit, September 12: All Hunza Action Committe (AHAC) has formally unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive plan of peaceful agitation for the resolution of their demands.
AHAC plans to hold peaceful protest demonstrations and rallies throughout Hunza Valley. A long march from Hunza to Gilgit has also been planned. If their demand for additional seat in the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly is not accepted, they plan to boycott the upcoming elections for Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly. In case of failure of the boycott, AHAC has threatened the government with extreme measure, like a civil disobedience movement, the first of its kind in history of the region, if launched.
Allocation of an additional seat in the legislative assembly has been a longstanding demand of the people of Hunza valley, since 1994. A speakers said that successive governments, despite of making promises have failed to address the demand, despite of proportional increase in population of the valley. According to estimates based on the census of 1998, the population of Hunza valley has almost reach the level of seventy thousand people.
“Only a single seat has been reserved for Hunza in the GBLA, while regions with much lesser population than Hunza have two or more seats”, another speaker commented during the press conference.
Talking about broader issue of Gilgit – Baltistan, the committe also expressed reservations about plans for appointment of a non-local governor in the region.
The agitation plan was unveild by speakers in front of the media at a local hotel here in Gilgit city. Speakers at the press conference -cum – Iftar dinner were leaders 
of AHAC, including Sheikh Abid, Ahsan Advocate, Aman Ullah Khan, Abuzar Ali, Zahoor Advocate, Noor Mohammad, Sultan Madad and Haider Tai, among others.
According to reports from other parts of the country, including Karachi and Islamabad, corner meetings are being held by the residents of Hunza to hold rallies and demonstrations in favor of the demands put forward by the All Hunza Action Committee.
1 comment September 13, 2009
Khunjrav – Karachi peace walk
by Farman Karim Baig
Gilgit, September 12: Asghar Ali Rumi and Ejaz Ali Rumi would be making history soon if they are successful in attaining what they have planned. They 
are planning to walk for peace from Khunjrav (Sino – Pak border) to Karachi, literary from one end of Pakistan to another. Both belong to the border town of Sost, in Gojal, Hunza.
Ejaz and Asghar are young students who are not happy with the state of world peace and want to create awareness by walking for thousands of kilometers, a journey that could take months to complete.
Whether they are prepared and equipped for getting what they want is still ambigous. With support from concerned organizations and the government the enthusiasm and determination of these young people can inspire millions for the times to come.
20 comments September 12, 2009
Long march from Hunza to Gilgit being planned
PT Report
Aliabad, September 11: After successfully conducting a rally for allocation of a new seat for Hunza valley in the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly, the All Hunza Action Committee is now planning to hold a long march to Gilgit.
According to a reliable source it was decided in a meeting of the action committee that village level sub-committees will also be established to mobilize public for the historical long march, planned after the Eid.
This action has come after the governor-designate of Gilgit – Baltista, Qamar Zaman Kaira, made a statement that it may not be an appropriate time to allocate seat for Hunza in the assembly.
6 comments September 12, 2009
Lok Virsa documents Yarkhun, Boroghil valleys
ISLAMABAD: Lok Virsa has undertaken documentary on life, culture and folklore of Wakhi people living in the Pamir mountains on Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikstan and China borders.
A three-member team of National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage comprising a video producer, craft collector and cameraman, undertook a field research to Chitral and upper border areas for documentation of Boroghil valley.
The Boroghil valley is nearly inaccessible in the extreme northern border of Pakistan. It is located in the Pamir mountain ranges, with Wakhan Corridor in the west and Gojal in upper Hunza on the east China to the east. The Wakhan corridor is sparsely populated with a population estimated around 11,000.
More at SOURCE
1 comment September 10, 2009
Dissent in Hunza Valley over seat increment inaction
by Noor
Hunza, August 31: Strong reaction can be seen in public opinion in Hunza valley over the lull maintained by the federal government over increment of the valley’s participation in the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA). The people of Hunza have been demanding increment of the valley’s representation from one seat to two in the house for the past fifteen years, since creation of the Northern Areas Council, in 1994. Successive governments have put the burning issue of popular demand under the carpet.
According to a news report published by a Sada-e-Gilgit, Nazir Sabir, ex member of the Northern Areas Legislative Council, has threatened that he would boycott upcoming elections if the number of seats is not increased for Hunza valley. However, this could not be confirmed from Nazir Sabir, or his sources.
The popular sentiment is not different from what Mr Sabir has, reportedly, stated. People have been waiting for years and using peaceful means to get an additional seat for Hunza but different forces have hindered such efforts for personal reasons.
Let’s also remind our readers that establishment of Hunza – Nagar district, desptie of being notified, is in doldurm for unknown reasons. The people of Hunza heavily critize Ghazanfar Ali khan, the cheif executive of NALA, for his inability to fulfill these two major demands of his constituency.
6 comments August 31, 2009
Suggest a name for Urdu Blog
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Dear readers
After running Pamir Times successfully for the past 23 months, we now venture to launch an Urdu news and views blog for the mountainous communities of Gilgit – Baltistan.
A large number of volunteers have agreed to offer their services for managing affairs of the Urdu blog. Our emphasis and priority would be development of original content, in Urdu language, about the entire Gilgit – Baltistan region.
You are invited to suggest a name for the blog.
Noor_.
16 comments August 28, 2009
KIU announces HSC I & II results
Click on the link below to check your result.
4 comments August 25, 2009
GBUJ cabinet sworn in
Press Release
Karachi, August 21: The new cabinet of Gilgit – Baltistan Union of Journalists took oath in a ceremony held at a local hotel, here in Karachi. Chief Reporter of Roznama Islam, Abdul Jabbar Nasir, administered the oath taking ceremony, attended by over 25 journalists from all corners of Gilgit – Baltistan.
The oath taking ceremony commenced with recitation of verses from the holy Quran, by Hafiz Iban-e-Shehzad Haqqani, senior vice president GBUJ. He also briefed the audience about the role and objective of the union and highlighted the need for unity in the ranks of journalists.
The new cabinet comprises of Rafi Usmani, President, Ibn-e-Shehzad Haqqani, Senior Vice President, Abbas Wafa, Vice President, Syed Minhaj Hussain Mausvi, General Secretary, Aslam Shah Hunzai, Press Secretary, Qasim Shigri, Finanace Secretary, Amin Azhar, Deputy General Secretary, Zulfiqar Ali, Program Organizer and S.S. Nasri, senior member.
Qari Abdul Jabbar Nasir, in his speech, briefed the audience about history of the GBUJ. He said that the term Gilgit – Baltistan was first coined by the GBUJ, which is now being made a part of the soon to be announced political reforms package for the region. He also shared accounts about working of the union and said that GBUJ played central role in lifting of ban from daily k2, some years ago, and it shall work to protect freedom of speech and expression.
Speaking at the occasion Noor Akbar, from Waqt TV, appreciated the role of GBUJ and emphasized that the journalists of Gilgit – Baltistan shall highlight the issue of political and citizenship rights of the people of their region.
Noor Muhammad, Chief Editor of Pamir Times, appreciated the collective and inclusive approach followed by GBUJ in formation of the cabinet and asked the journalists to be objective and rational in their reporting. He also highlighted the role of online citizen journalism, presenting Pamir Times as an example of online local media disseminating timely and accurate information about the region’s issues to a global audience.
Syed Minhaj Hussain Mousvi, correspondent of Waqt TV, acted as master of ceremony.
Towards the end Rafi Usmani, president of the newly elected cabinet, officially thanked the journalists for attending the ceremony in large numbers and promised that the union would play its due role in helping journalists of Gilgit – Baltistan in resolving their issues.
Also present at the oath taking ceremony were S.S.Nasri, Qasim Shigri, Muiz Gojali, Noorullah, among others.
2 comments August 23, 2009
No Rights, No Dams – Join the cause
Join the cause on facebook, if you haven’t already.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/148614?m=c23b5141
(Click on the link to join and support the cause). This cause was started back in November 2008)
Add comment August 23, 2009
